Build a Dream Vacation Box

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Though the world is now a familiar place for geographers, that doesn't mean the world is familiar to kids! Where would your child go if he could travel anywhere he wanted? Would he want to be someplace warm, or does he love snow? Does he dream of the ocean or trekking up in the mountains? What if he could go to a place where he could watch volcanoes erupt?

Whatever your child's dream place is, he can find information about it by searching on the Internet, looking for books at the library, and picking up brochures from travel agents. With a little planning, you could make it there someday. Until then, he can dream and collect all the things he can find about this place in a special box to look through from time to time until his dream becomes a reality.

What You Need:

Images from magazines, books, brochures, or from the Internet that relate to the dream place

Scissors or craft knife

Small map of the dream location

Craft glue

Foam brush

Decoupage glue

What You Do:

Paint the entire box a solid color.

Give your child scissors and ask him to cut out the images he wants for his box from the gathered materials. Have him place each image on the piece of cardboard and carefully cut along their outlines.

Glue the small map of the dream location on the lid of the box.

Cut images to fit inside of the map, trimming the outside images to to fit the contours of the border.

When the map image is filled, outline it with a bright color of paint so it'll stand out. He can now decorate the rest of the box any way he'd like-- glitter, more images, gems, markers... encourage him to get creative!

Use the foam brush to cover each side of the box and lid with a thin layer of decoupage glue to seal and protect the collage.

Encourage your child to fill the box with information that can help him get to his dream location someday... whether it's research, photos, or fun facts. When he's done, give him an audience. He can use his box and its contents to convince people they might like to go there as well. Who knows, there may be a family trip sometime in your future!